Makkah and Bakkah

There are 2 names for the city of Makkah mentioned in the Qur’an; Makkah مَكّه, and Bakkah بكّه.

The scholars have disputed over which is the official name for the city and which is the nickname. However, brother Nouman Ali Khan explains that Makkah is the stronger opinion – as the official name of the ancient city.

So where does the word Bakkah come from?

It comes from the word بكك – Bakk – a meaning of Crowdedness/Overcrowding etc.

Amazingly, in the Qur’an – Allah uses every word with a powerful wisdom. So that when He uses the word Bakkah – He mentions it in the context of the pilgrimage of Hajj (since Bakk signifies overcrowding [and the most overcrowding there occurs during the Hajj pilgrimage season]);

In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.